Buddies

My buddy Sam came to visit me.    Our Mom's are pretty tight, and since I'm three weeks older, I have to show him the ropes.  He's going to have twins come live at his house, and his world is about to be rocked.   Come stay with me Sam!

I call this one "Solitude"

Every once in a while, a man needs a quiet moment to ponder.    

His place in the universe.... the meaning of life.... what's for lunch...... 

23 Months!

This is the last time I will be posting in "months."  Because next month I get to be "years"....  No more babyish months for me!     I'll save all the waxing philosophical for the birthday post next month, so let's just stick to the facts today:

1. Independent streak.   If I can do it for myself, I'm sure going to try.  And if I can't do it myself, I'm going to try anyway.   All this 'doing it myself' results in a lot of used paper towels, and running the washing machine, but what are you going to do?  Crush a boy's spirit?   Not my mom.

2. I like to open the fridge and stare blankly at it's contents.  It's not likely I'm going to eat anything in there, but I see dad do it a lot, so it must a life skill.

3. I still don't like food.  I've managed to choke down some of the less offensive Chef Boyardee options, but table food is still not a favorite.  I've discovered the joy of good french fries, and ate so much pizza the other night, I passed out.   That was a good night.  Mom was so happy to see me eat it, she just kept it coming!  My little belly was so round and hard that Mom and Dad laughed and laughed.

4.  I like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and gleefully shout "TOODLES" when it's time.   I'll also PAT PAT PAT when it's time for the Little Einsteins to take off in Rocket.   Mom thinks Einsteins is tedious to watch, but she doesn't complain.   Very much.

5.  I'm out of my biting phase!

6.  I'm into my nose picking phase!   Mom would rather have the biting back.

 (Warning:  graphic image below.  Might not be suitable for those with weak stomachs)

7.  I like to be involved in tasks.  Unloading the dryer, putting drinks in the fridge.   I'm full service!  I follow directions really well (as long as I'm interested).   It's possible I'm being groomed for a life of indentured servitude- that thought has occurred to me.

8.  Talking! Talking!  Talking!   My speech really took off over Christmas break, and Mom can't even count how many words I say.  I surprise her all the time by using one she's never heard me say before.    Riding in the car is especially exciting-  I like to look for "BARN!" and "TRACTOR!"  and countless other exciting things that others take for granted.

9. I'm obsessed with vehicles and farm equipment.  I also love animals, and like to see people with their dogs.  I'm a boy through and through, and love my hot wheels and trains. My Fisher Price barn with animals is a current favorite.  Aunt Catherine passed it along from her kids, who got it from Aunt Rebecca and her kids, so someone got their money's worth.   Mom and Dad bought an extra suitcase at Christmas just to bring home all the awesome toys my cousins gave me!

10.  I know my colors and can find the "blue car" or the "green balloon" or anything else you ask me to find in my  picture books.   Mom thinks I'm absolutely brilliant, but I think I'm right on track.

11.  Mom taught me the Meow Mix song while we were grocery shopping the other day, and I thought I was going to die I laughed so hard.  That the was funniest thing I'd heard in a while, so now I like to sing it too.   If you listen closely, you can hear me sing softly while I play with my toys.  "meow meow meow meow".......


Cheers Everyone!
Love Jack

Mom Hijacks the Blog!

Oh Jack.  You're such a smart clever boy.   You'll look back on this blog someday, and be so glad that you documented your adventures so thoroughly.   We'd hate for this one to be edited out, so I'll guest-blog today.   I'll tuck this memory away carefully, so that when you're a sullen, moody teenager I can pull these pics out and remind you (and the sullen moody girl you've brought home) that your life used to be so sweet and carefree.

I especially love this one where you're channeling your best Geordi LaForge from Star Trek.   You just became that much cooler to dorks everywhere.

New Zips

I'm a lucky boy.  I have more family than the average Joe, so when it comes time for gifts, I'm a popular recipient.   My Aunt Sue was there with me in Texas for Christmas, and came through with a very boring gift card for me.  I didn't see the appeal at the time.   Now I know that those boring cards can be traded for fabulous items!   Example:  My new Nike Shox that Mom ordered from Zappos for me!  I'm a sneaker snob, and these Shox are going to make the other kids so jelly.  They are a little too big, so they will unfortunately go deep into the recesses of some closet, only to be introduced again when my foot is chubbier, and I've completely forgotten about them.  It's the gift that gives twice!  Thanks Aunt Sue!

Ancient Chinese Secret

After much searching, I've discovered what the old "ancient Chinese secret" is!    What I've learned from the Chinese is how to set up a beautiful buffet presentation for an affordable price, and that crustaceans CAN be served with their eyeballs still attached.   However, if one is observant you will discover the hidden gem of the Chinese Buffet:   the pan of Tapioca pudding nestled between the weird cookies that nobody eats and the other weird dessert that nobody eats.    In true Jack fashion, I've learned to maximize my experience by double spooning.   To be a Barnes is to be an efficient eater, and I've learned from some pros.

Snow Day! Sort of!

Ok, so this will be a snow day post, but with no pictures of snow.  Because there wasn't any.   NC has what we call "weather events," and nobody can ever really gauge how serious they will be because all the really competent meteorologists avoid this state like the Bermuda Triangle.  So when they say we will get 2-4 inches, you're usually good for a trace amount.  Or none.  Or like the time in 2005 when we were supposed to get a dusting, and it turned into freezing rain and took Dad 10 hours to get home from work. (8 hours for Mom.)   I wasn't around for that, but it's still talked about with much reverence and head shaking.

So why the picture of me eating a doughnut hole?  Because Mom brought home a box of Munchkins and let me try one for the first time.    I can play in the non-snow another time.   And just on the off-chance you DO get snowed in, you better have some Munchkins on hand.   It's this thing they call food storage, and I think the concept is brilliant.

Admire my handiwork...?

At the request of the lovely Sister Brown, here is a snap of me showing off my work.   Didn't turn out too bad, if I do say so....   Yes, I have bedhead from a late nap, and I'm drinking a bottle.   Don't judge.  Big boys sometimes need a bottle, ok?  

No photo. You'll thank me later.

So Mom is really annoyed with me.   I have two new habits, neither one of them seems to be very popular.

1.  4:30am seems like a reasonable time to wake up.

2.  I've discovered my nose, and how to pick it.  I especially like to do it in public.

Dog Pile

Long before I came along, Dad was the foundation for many dog-piles with the nieces and nephews.  I'm proud to help carry on the tradition.